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Silvia MaioliView profile

Associate Professor

• Alzheimer's Disease
• Neuroscience
• Cholesterol Metabolism
• +4 more

Silvia Maioli is an Associate Professor (Docent) and Principal Researcher at Karolinska Institutet's Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, where she leads the 'Alzheimer's Disease Risk Factors & Sex-Specific Mechanisms' research group. She is also Facility Coordinator for the Animal Behavior Core Facility (ABCF) at Karolinska Institutet. Dr. Maioli earned her PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the University of Bologna in 2011, followed by postdoctoral training at Karolinska Institutet. Her research focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms behind risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's Disease (AD), with particular emphasis on sex differences. Her laboratory investigates: Cholesterol metabolism in the brain and its role in AD progression The interplay between ApoE, cholesterol metabolites (oxysterols), and neurodegeneration Sex hormone interactions with brain cholesterol metabolism Multi-medication therapies and their sex-specific effects on AD pathology Identification of early biomarkers for women at risk of developing AD CYP46A1 as a potential therapeutic target for women at higher risk of AD Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong translational approach combining mouse models with human clinical data to identify sex-specific therapeutic targets. Her work demonstrates that common multi-medication therapies affect AD pathology differently in male and female mice, and that protein activation in the brain may protect women against neurodegenerative diseases. Scientific Recognition Royal grant from King Gustaf V and Queen Victoria's Foundation for research on sex-differences in Alzheimer's Disease Nearly 20 million SEK from the Swedish Research Council Multiple grants from Alzheimerfonden, KID-funding, and other foundations Dr. Maioli actively mentors the next generation of researchers, currently serving as main supervisor for 2 PhD students and co-supervisor for 3 PhD students. She has directed two PhD theses and supervised 15 master's students. Her teaching includes directing the PhD Course 5239 'Behavioral Analysis in Rodents' and contributing to several other programs at Karolinska Institutet. As Facility Coordinator for the Animal Behavior Core Facility, Dr. Maioli leads a team specializing in behavioral testing of mouse models of neurodegenerative diseases. Her laboratory employs molecular biology techniques, in vitro and in vivo models, and analysis of human samples to investigate sex-specific mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease.

Zahoor ShahView profile

Professor

• Neuroprotection
• Stroke Research
• Cerebrovascular Diseases
• +3 more

Zahoor Shah, Ph.D. , is a Professor and Vice Chair in the Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry at the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences , The University of Toledo . He serves as Associate Dean for Graduate Education and Research and Program Director . Dr. Shah obtained his doctorate in Toxicology from Hamdard University (New Delhi, India) and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Louisville (2005) and Johns Hopkins University (2007). 2005: Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Louisville 2007: Postdoctoral Fellow, Johns Hopkins University 2009: Instructor, Johns Hopkins University Dr. Shah’s research focuses on identifying molecular targets and developing drugs for ischemic and hemorrhagic brain injuries . Key areas include: Neuroprotective agents targeting oxidative stress and inflammation Role of Nrf2/HO1 pathway in stroke recovery Mechanistic studies of cofilin signaling in neuroinflammation Preclinical models of stroke (t-MCAO, pMCAO, BCCAO) and zebrafish Alzheimer’s models Development of ROS-sensitive nitric oxide synthase inhibitors Patents in oxidative stress-related therapies His 15 most recent articles (2022–2024) emphasize: Therapeutic targeting of cofilin and neuroinflammation in stroke and neurodegenerative diseases Interplay between gut microbiota and cognitive decline Preclinical validation of anti-inflammatory agents (e.g., triazole-pyrimidine hybrids) Impact of metabolic factors (diabetes, hyperglycemia) on brain injury outcomes Dr. Shah has received major grants including NINDS R01 (2020–2025) and NIA R01 (2018–2023), and holds patents for neuroprotective compositions (US Patent 10,590,119; provisional applications D2018-11 and D2019-35). He has published over 83 peer-reviewed articles and mentored numerous graduate and undergraduate students.

Hina ShaheenView profile

Assistant Professor

• Bio-statistics
• Neuroscience Data Analysis
• Computational Modelling
• +9 more

Hina Shaheen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Statistics , Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba. Her research integrates statistical methods with computational neuroscience and neurodegenerative disease modeling. Email: Hina.Shaheen@umanitoba.ca Lab: NeuroStats Lab Research Interests: Shaheen specializes in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, with a focus on: Multiscale and network modeling of brain dynamics Bio-statistical and machine learning approaches BAYESIAN inference and STOCHASTIC processes Calcium signaling and PROTEIN dynamics in disease pathology Publication Trends: Recent work combines data-driven stochastic modeling with connectomic insights to study neurodegenerative mechanisms. Key themes include: Integration of machine learning and BAYESIAN frameworks in brain network analysis Applications to Alzheimer’s (amyloid-beta/calcium interactions, exosomal spread) and Parkinson’s (DBS treatment, neural dynamics) Development of multiscale co-simulation techniques for clinical data interpretation Academic Engagement: Shaheen actively mentors graduate students and collaborates across disciplines. She participated in the V AMMCS International Conference (2019) and maintains affiliations with computational neuroscience communities.

Wen LuView profile

Assistant Professor

• Cytoskeleton
• Developmental Biology
• Neurobiology
• +4 more

Wen Lu, PhD is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. Her primary research focuses on cytoskeletal regulation and molecular motor coordination in super-large cells including oocytes and neurons, utilizing Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. She employs high-resolution live microscopy, genetic engineering, optogenetics, and pharmacological manipulations to investigate microtubule and F-actin dynamics in cellular development and regeneration. Her educational background includes a BS from Peking University (2004) and a PhD from The University of Chicago (2010), followed by postdoctoral training at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. Lu maintains active affiliations with the American Society for Cell Biology (2019-2024) and the Genetics Society of America (2022-2023), and serves on the FlyBase Community Advisory Group since 2014. Research interests center on cytoskeletal dynamics in cellular polarization, with particular emphasis on oocyte specification, growth mechanisms, and neuronal regeneration after injury. Her work bridges developmental biology and neurobiology through innovative imaging techniques that reveal molecular transport mechanisms in cellular systems. Current investigations explore microtubule movement regulation and the interplay between cytoskeletal elements during critical developmental processes. Publication trends demonstrate strong interdisciplinary focus spanning cell biology, neurobiology, and imaging sciences, with recent work increasingly incorporating translational elements in ophthalmology and oncology. Her articles reveal consistent methodological innovation in live-cell imaging and genetic manipulation techniques applied to fundamental biological questions. Winner 2025 Drosophila Art Contest, The FlyStuff / Genesee Scientific Team Winner of CDB Graphic Design Contest, CDB Special Events Committee (2024) Winner in Category 2, Microscopy Image Competition 2024, ProteinTech Group 2nd Prize in Published Category, Microscopy Today Micrograph Awards (2024) BINA 2022 Image Contest- People's Choice Award, BioImaging North America Dr. Lu serves on the FlyBase Community Advisory Group and maintains industry relationships including ownership in Quantum Music LLC. Her laboratory work integrates advanced microscopy with genetic models to address fundamental questions in cellular organization, with potential implications for understanding developmental disorders and neurodegenerative conditions.

Maribel RiosView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Neurobiology
• Metabolism
• +3 more

Maribel Rios is a Professor of Neuroscience at the Tufts University School of Medicine. Her research focuses on the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in modulating energy homeostasis and affective behavior, using molecular, biochemical, and genetic tools. She investigates neural circuits in the brain, particularly in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), and their regulation by BDNF. Rios holds a PhD from Tufts University (1997) and a BA from Boston University (1988). She has been continuously funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the American Diabetes Association, and others, focusing on BDNF signaling, metabolic regulation, and sex-specific effects of mGluR5. Her teaching includes courses such as 'Neurobiology of Disease' and 'Basic Skills for Scientists.' Rios has authored over 40 scholarly articles, many in high-impact journals like Nature Metabolism and Journal of Neuroscience . Education: PhD in Neuroscience, Tufts University, 1997 BA in Biology, Boston University, 1988 Research Interests: Her lab explores BDNF's role in energy balance and affective states through genetically modified mice models. Key areas include astrocyte signaling in metabolic circuits, synaptic plasticity, and the interplay between BDNF and neurotransmitter systems like GABA and serotonin. Grants & Funding: NIH grants (2015–present) on BDNF signaling in VMH astrocytes and energy balance American Diabetes Association grant (2016–2019) on α2δ-1 and glucose homeostasis Klarman Family Foundation grants (2008–2013) investigating BDNF and binge eating Teaching & Mentorship: Courses include 'Neurobiology of Disease' and 'Basic Skills for Scientists,' emphasizing translational neuroscience and experimental techniques. She advises graduate students in Tufts' Neuroscience and Biomedical Sciences programs.

• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Synaptic Biology
• Astrocyte-Neuron Interaction
• +3 more

Dr. Frauke Ackermann serves as a Group Leader within the Career Development Fellow Programme at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Berlin, focusing on the synaptic protein Piccolo and its role in Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia type 3 (PCH3), a severe childhood neurodegenerative disorder. Her primary research explores neurodegenerative mechanisms through synaptic biology and astrocyte-neuron interactions. Using Piccolo knockout rat models that replicate human PCH3 symptoms—including cerebellar/brainstem atrophy, motor defects, and seizures—her team investigates how synaptic protein dysfunction triggers neurodegeneration. Current work establishes human disease models via iPSCs and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to dissect pathological pathways. Dr. Ackermann's laboratory employs primary cell cultures, advanced microscopy, and biochemical techniques to analyze the critical interplay between astrocytes, synapses, and Piccolo, aiming to identify therapeutic targets for PCH3 and related disorders.

Stephanie KüppersView profile

Researcher

• Oxytocin signaling
• Pain perception
• Reward systems
• +3 more

Stephanie Küppers is a Researcher at the Central Institute for Mental Health (ZI) in Mannheim, Germany, affiliated with the Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry . She works under the supervision of Valery Grinevich , focusing on the neurobiological mechanisms of oxytocin signaling in pain perception, social behaviors, and psychiatric conditions. Her research explores the interplay between oxytocin, pain perception , and emotional valence, particularly in the context of social interactions and reward processing . She previously investigated oxytocin's role in the insular cortex during her Master's thesis and is now continuing this work in her PhD studies. Stephanie has contributed to research on oxytocin's analgesic pathways in rats, social grooming circuits in rodents, and oxytocin system dysregulation in Prader-Willi syndrome and alcohol dependence. Her work spans neurobiology, behavioral neuroscience , and neuroendocrinology , with a strong emphasis on methodological innovation in neural imaging and optogenetics. She has been involved in the development of optogenetic tools for studying oxytocin neurons in socially interacting and anesthetized rat models , contributing to advancements in neurotechnology and electrophysiology . Her publications reflect interdisciplinary collaboration across neuroendocrinology, psychiatric genetics , and behavioral neuroscience .

Alexandre FisetteView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neurobiology of obesity
• Nutrition
• Neuroscience
• +2 more

Alexandre Fisette serves as a Research Chair Holder with the UQTR Jr Chair in Neurometabolism within the Department of Medical Biology at Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières. His academic appointments include teaching responsibilities across multiple advanced courses in medical biology, cellular and molecular biology, and human physiology. Dr. Fisette's educational background includes doctoral training at Université Laval (2013) supported by a CIHR fellowship, followed by postdoctoral fellowships at the CHUM Research Center in Montreal (2017, Diabetes Canada fellowship) and Helmholtz Munich in Germany (2020, CIHR fellowship). This international training has positioned him at the intersection of neuroscience and metabolic research. His primary research interests focus on the neurobiology of obesity , with particular emphasis on hypothalamic regulation of energy balance, neural circuits controlling feeding behavior, and the interplay between nutrition and brain function. His work investigates how metabolic signals like leptin and fatty acids influence neuronal activity and behavior, with implications for understanding obesity and related disorders. Additional areas include neurodegeneration mechanisms and the role of bioactive food compounds in neuroprotection. Analysis of his publication record reveals a consistent trajectory of high-impact research in metabolic neuroscience, with recent work focusing on hypothalamic neuronal identity, microglial function in metabolic regulation, and the neural basis of food reward. His publications span top journals including Cell Metabolism, Nature Metabolism, and Cell Reports, demonstrating interdisciplinary work bridging neuroscience, endocrinology, and molecular biology. CIHR fellowship (2020) Diabetes Canada fellowship (2017) CIHR fellowship (2013) Dr. Fisette's research program involves collaborations with leading institutions including Helmholtz Munich, CHUM Research Center, and multiple laboratories in the United States and Europe. His work on hypothalamic circuits, metabolic sensing, and neurodegeneration has established him as an emerging leader in neurometabolism research, with his Junior Research Chair supporting continued investigation into the neural mechanisms underlying metabolic disorders.

• Neurobiology
• Somatosensory System
• Touch Perception
• +5 more

David D Ginty is the Edward R. and Anne G. Lefler Professor of Neurobiology and Head of the Department of Neurobiology at Harvard Medical School. His research focuses on understanding the neurobiological basis of touch perception, neural circuits underlying somatosensory functions, and developmental mechanisms of sensory neurons. His work integrates molecular genetics, electrophysiology, and behavioral analyses to study touch-related disorders like autism spectrum disorders and neuropathic pain. The Ginty Lab is located at the Goldenson Building in Boston. Research interests include mechanosensory neuron subtypes, spinal cord circuit organization, and molecular mechanisms of touch dysfunction. He leads a team investigating how sensory inputs shape neural circuits and influence behavior. His lab’s findings contribute to therapeutic strategies for sensory and developmental disorders. Key areas of exploration involve the somatosensory system’s role in tactile discrimination, pain signaling, and the interplay between sensory experience and neural development. Recent work emphasizes translational research, targeting mechanoreceptor dysfunction and synaptic plasticity in disease models.

Meharvan SinghView profile

Professor

• Hormones and brain function
• Cognitive aging
• Alzheimer’s disease
• +4 more

Meharvan Singh, PhD, serves as Vice Provost for Research and Professor of Cell & Molecular Physiology at Loyola University Chicago's Stritch School of Medicine. His research focuses on hormonal regulation of brain function, particularly how gonadal steroids like estrogens and progesterone influence neuroprotection, cognitive aging, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. He leads a laboratory investigating molecular mechanisms underlying hormone-mediated survival of neurons and glial cells, with applications toward developing therapies for stroke and age-related brain disorders. Key research areas include estrogen neuroprotection, progesterone’s role in stroke recovery, and the interplay between oxidative stress and androgens in dopaminergic neuron viability. Singh has published extensively on hormonal signaling pathways, microRNA regulation in neuroprotection, and the impact of hormonal therapies on brain aging. His work bridges basic science and translational medicine, aiming to translate cellular findings into clinical strategies. He holds administrative roles at Loyola, overseeing research infrastructure and strategic initiatives. His lab utilizes multidisciplinary approaches including cellular/molecular biology, microscopy, and pharmacological interventions. Current projects explore novel sigma receptor ligands, the role of let-7i microRNAs in enhancing progesterone efficacy, and the neuroprotective potential of natural compounds like Bacopa monnieri.

Simon BossiView profile

Research Fellow

• Neuroscience
• Neurobiology
• Glutamate Receptors
• +5 more

Dr. Simon Bossi is a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at the University of Oxford's Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, affiliated with Christ Church College. He holds a Career Development Fellow position since April 2025 and serves as Organising Tutor in Biomedical Sciences. PhD in Neuroscience (2017), University of Paris-Saclay Postdoc research (2018-2022), Biology Institute, Ecole Normale Supérieure Current research focuses on astrocyte-dopamine interactions in striatal circuits and Parkinson's disease models His research interests center on neurotransmitter signaling mechanisms , particularly glutamate receptors , glycine-activated excitatory receptors , and dopamine modulation in both healthy and diseased states. He investigates astrocyte contributions to striatal circuit dynamics and neurodegenerative alterations in Parkinson's models. Recent work demonstrates novel astrocyte-mediated regulation of cholinergic interneurons and dopamine release through extracellular neuromodulation. His team discovered unconventional excitatory glycine receptors (eGlyRs) that represent significant advances in understanding neurotransmitter receptor diversity. His publications in Nature Communications , Science , and Neuron reveal groundbreaking findings about glutamate receptor pharmacology , GABA-glutamate interactions , and neurotransmission mechanisms in cortical and amygdalar systems. Dr. Bossi's technical expertise spans electrophysiology , opto-pharmacology , calcium imaging , and intracranial injection protocols for viral vector delivery in rodent models. As Organising Tutor at Christ Church College, he contributes to biomedical education while maintaining active research involvement in the Cragg Group at Oxford. His work continues to shape understanding of non-canonical neurotransmission pathways and their therapeutic implications.

• Addiction Neuroscience
• Decision Making
• Impulsivity
• +3 more

Tristan Hynes is a Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellow in the Department of Psychology at the University of Cambridge. His research focuses on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction, decision-making, and impulsivity, with a particular emphasis on dopamine systems and astrocytic interactions. Key areas include the role of dopamine transporters in astrocytes in compulsive behaviors, sex differences in addiction vulnerability, and the impact of reward-paired cues on risky choices. Hynes employs chemogenetic, pharmacological, and behavioral approaches to elucidate these complex processes. His work integrates translational research methodologies, as evidenced by contributions to policy-oriented studies like the UK Gambling Disorder roadmap. While no academic awards are explicitly listed, his publications reflect a sustained engagement with cutting-edge topics in behavioral neuroscience and addiction research. Research interests span addiction neuroscience, neuropharmacology, and the interplay between dopamine signaling and decision-making processes. Recent studies highlight the role of striatal astrocytes in heroin-seeking habits and the modulation of impulsivity via cholinergic and noradrenergic pathways.

Rune EngerView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Astrocyte-Neuron Interplay
• Brain Edema
• +3 more

Rune Enger is a Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Oslo, affiliated with the Division of Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, and the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences within the Faculty of Medicine. He leads the Institute's education program and specializes in astrocyte-neuron interactions, particularly in healthy and dysfunctional brain states. Enger's research focuses on aquaporin-4 polarization, cerebral edema, sleep dynamics, and Alzheimer’s disease modeling. His work combines experimental neuroscience with computational and imaging tools like RippleNet and Begonia pipelines. Education: Cand.med. (Medical Doctorate), University of Oslo, including a medical student research program. Postdoctoral training at Oslo University Hospital under Erlend Nagelhus. Academic roles include Head of Education at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences since 2024. Research Interests: Astrocyte physiology, brain fluid dynamics, glial signaling in neurological disorders, and development of neuroimaging/analytical tools. Key findings include the role of aquaporin-4 in solute clearance and sleep-related astrocyte activity regulation. Publications: Over 25 peer-reviewed articles in journals like Nature Communications , Fluids and Barriers of the CNS , and Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience . Collaborates widely with teams in Norway and internationally, focusing on glial cell biology and translational neuroscience.

Max DelbrückView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Neuronal Development
• +3 more

Max Delbrück is a Professor at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), focusing on neurobiological research. His work investigates axonal branching mechanisms, synaptic development, and the role of cell adhesion molecules in neuronal connectivity. Key projects include the study of cGMP signaling pathways in sensory neurons and the analysis of proteins like CAR and CALEB in synaptic maturation. His laboratory is located in the Max-Delbrück-Haus, Room 3006. Research interests span molecular neuroscience, developmental biology, and cellular signaling. His team explores axon guidance, synapse formation, and the interplay between electric activity and structural neural circuits. Recent publications highlight studies on astrocyte coupling, metastasis regulation, and congenital disorders linked to cell adhesion proteins. Key findings include the discovery of cGMP-dependent pathways regulating axonal bifurcation in DRG neurons and cranial sensory ganglia. His work on CALEB revealed its role in presynaptic differentiation and synapse elimination in cerebellar circuits. Collaborative efforts address cardiac development and the impact of early life stress on physiological systems.

Prasun K. DattaView profile

Associate Professor

• HIV-1 Biology
• Neuroimmunology
• Virology
• +5 more

Prasun K. Datta is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Tulane University's School of Medicine, located in Covington, Louisiana. His research focuses on HIV-1 pathogenesis, neuroinflammation, and the interplay between viral infections and cellular metabolism. He investigates how HIV-1 exploits metabolic pathways in macrophages/microglia to establish latent CNS reservoirs and explores mechanisms linking substance abuse (opioids/cocaine) to neurodegeneration. Recent work includes studies on SARS-CoV-2 neurotropism and long-COVID pathogenesis in non-human primate models. Education: BS/MS/PhD in Biological Sciences from Calcutta University Research Interests: Integrates virology, immunology, and neurobiology to address critical questions in viral neuropathogenesis. Key areas include: HIV-1 reservoir persistence in the CNS Roles of extracellular vesicles in neuroinflammation Metabolic reprogramming in infected macrophages Cross-talk between viral proteins and host epigenetic machinery Molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 CNS invasion Publications highlight translational research across HIV/AIDS, neuroimmunology, and emerging infectious diseases. Over 40 peer-reviewed articles in journals like Nature Communications , Cell Cycle , and Journal of Virology demonstrate sustained contributions to understanding viral-host interactions.